Latin America is home to a great variety of flavors and dishes that will surely cause a lot of cravings.

According to Top Universities, every Latin American dish is a mix of fresh ingredients and spices that make the taste unique.

Since people are striving to live a healthy life through their eating habits, here are some ways to still enjoy Latin food offerings in a healthy way:

1. Beef Empanadas

Hungry Girl provided a healthy empanada recipe by advising people to eliminate the high-fat crust and filling of the usual beef empanada. Use extra-lean ground beef and broccoli cole slaw for the filling instead.

It added that this can be topped with salsa or a fat-free sour cream.

2. Enchilada

Cooking Light noted that the creamy sauce and savory filling of this food item has become a favourite for many.

However, a "lighter version" with only 343 calories per serving can still be enjoyed.

The cooking website's recipe for its Beef and Black Bean Enchiladas include fat-free chicken broth for the sauce, no-salt tomato paste and other low-sodium ingredients for the enchilada itself.

3. Tamales

This dish has also become a favorite in Latin America because of the unique taste of masa (a corn-based dough), and its spicy meat filling, noted Pinterest.

Peaceful Dumpling has presented a low-fat version of this Mexican cuisine, using portobello mushrooms, zucchini, lime juice, cumin and cilantro.

4. Cuban Sandwich

According to CleanEatingMag, mouthwatering Cuban sandwiches can still be enjoyed by using healthier ingredients.

It suggested using ham, cheese, thinly sliced pork and pickles.

"It gets its mojo-like flavor thanks to citrus zest in the mayo. You can prepare the sandwiches in advance, then simply finish them on the grill," added CleanEatingMag.

5. Shrimp Ceviche

Eating Well explained that this recipe should include healthy ingredients like cucumber, tomatoes, avocado, cilantro leaves and red onion. 

It also noted that the traditional way of preparing ceviche involves tossing the seafood into an "acidic marinade" like citrus juice or vinegar.

Instead, the cooking website said it would be better to cook the shrimp first before marinating it.

All these healthy alternatives can be great options for people who still want to enjoy Latin American dishes without worrying about the added fats and unwanted calories.